Going to war with a Navy SEAL

Jacksonville.com ^ | 10/11/2009 | Tim O'Connell

[Saije]

In his memoir subtitled "Death In The Dark: Vietnam 1968-1972" Master Chief Thomas Keith, a self-described "Navy brat," tells readers how he embarked on his chosen career as a SEAL.

Evolving from the underwater demolition teams of World War II, the Navy SEALs were formally established in 1962 as a "small, elite maritime force to conduct ... clandestine, high-impact missions." The name comes from the fact that they are trained in all environments (sea, air and land), but Keith writes, "historically SEALs have always had 'one foot in the water.' "

As involvement in the Vietnam War grew, the U.S. military became enmeshed in fighting an unfamiliar and different kind of war. The Viet Cong guerillas operating in the myriad waterways, swamps and jungles of the Mekong River Delta were a formidable force, and it took a unique soldier to combat it.

Keith who credits actor Richard Widmark and the movie "Frogman" as his inspiration, joined the Navy right out of high school. He wanted to become a member of the underwater demolition team. He was accepted, with the help of his father's friends, and was sent to the infamous training "school" at Little Creek, Va. Six months later, he was one of the elite few who graduated. He volunteered for the SEALs and was sent to Vietnam for the first of three tours.

On his way to becoming one of the most highly decorated sailors in the Navy, Keith lived the testosterone-driven life of a warrior in Vietnam - fighting all day - and sometimes all night: "darkness was our friend"- and living it up on his off-duty time.

[Saije]

Looks like a good read. And once again I learn something new. Navy Seals were around in Vietnam.

[Young Werther]

KERREY, J. Robert, a Senator from Nebraska; born in Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska, August 27, 1943; attended the Lincoln Public schools; graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln 1966; served in the United States Navy SEAL special forces unit, 1966-1969; wounded in Vietnam and awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life”

I had a work associate who was a Seal in Viet Nam. Steve soldered with Kerrey and told some really interesting stories that never made the front page!